Denial Code 6 (CO-6, PR-6) — Meaning & What to Do
Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC)
What denial code 6 means: The procedure code doesn't match the patient's age.
What to do about denial code 6: Ask the provider's billing office to explain or correct this, and resubmit if needed.
CO-6 vs PR-6 vs OA-6: what the prefix means
| Code on your EOB | What the prefix means | Who typically pays |
|---|---|---|
| CO-6 | Contractual obligation — the provider writes the amount off | Usually not the patient |
| PR-6 | Patient responsibility | The patient |
| OA-6 | Other adjustment | Often another payer or plan |
The prefix tells you who is expected to absorb the amount; the number (6) tells you why.
Seeing denial code 6 on your EOB?
A denial code tells you what the payer reported, but it may not tell the whole story. Reviewing your EOB and bill together can help clarify what may need attention.
Related codes
CARC 5The procedure code doesn't match the place where the service was given.
CARC 7The procedure code doesn't match the patient's sex.
CARC 252Additional documentation is needed to process the claim.
CARC 8The procedure code doesn't match the provider's specialty.
Keep reviewing your bill
- Medical Bill vs EOB: What Is the Difference?
- How to Dispute a Medical Bill — Find Billing Errors Before You Pay
- What Is an Itemized Medical Bill? How to Request One
Frequently asked questions about Denial code 6
What does denial code 6 mean on my EOB?
The procedure code doesn't match the patient's age.
What should I do about denial code 6?
Ask the provider's billing office to explain or correct this, and resubmit if needed.
Seeing this code on your own EOB?
Upload the EOB, the bill, or both — MD Bill Check reads the codes on your documents, compares them side by side, and flags what's worth questioning. Free, no account needed.